Mr. Ved Vyas passed away on Tuesday night, June 2nd, 2015. He had been unwell for the past few years and was soon going to turn 91 in July. Mr Vyas arrived in New Delhi in 1948 with his family from Lahore after the partition. A year later, he joined The Modern School, Barakhamba Road as a Hindi teacher and a Physical Education Instructor.

“Mr. Ved Vyas was one of the best teachers Modern School had had”, said one alumni. He was very well known for his theatrical skills and produced and directed many plays.

In 1975, Mr. Vyas became the first principal of the Modern School, Vasant Vihar and held this position for the next decade. Mr. Vyas has not only been a commendable teacher but has also mentored many of his students and friends. He was an inspiration, motivation and idol to many.

Even though he was my Nani’s (grandmother’s) brother, he was the closest I had to a grandfather since both my grandfathers passed away when I was very young.  I hadn’t met Mr. Vyas in a couple of years but there is this one memory of him that can never leave me and rather is a part of me. I was about 5 years old and had just started playing the tabla. I remember Mr. Vyas coming for one of my shows and appreciating my skills. He was so happy when he saw his grandson playing the Tabla well. I haven’t played the table since I was 12. And I remember how disappointed Mr. Vyas was to learn that. I realize I must change that and hone by tabla skills further.

“I really wish I could go back in time and just say goodbye to Mr. Ved Vyas, he will be missed”, said by a student at Vasant Valley School, New Delhi.

“I still remember when Mr. Vyas had come on the board of the school, till date I remember him as a mentor. He was a supporting rock for the growth of Vasant Valley School. On behalf of the entire Vasant Valley School staff, I would like to thank Mr. Vyas for all his contributions to the school, he was a part of the Vasant Valley School family and will always remain in our hearts with the most positive memories. And once a week throughout the year, we sing the song you wrote, our school song, our school’s motto, “श्रेष्ठतमाय कर्मणे” (Excellence Indeed). Sir, we will miss you a lot.” Said by Mr. Arun Kapur, Director of Vasant Valley School.

In conclusion, all I would like to say is that these accounts of people who knew Mr. Vyas are only the very few people whose lives he touched and changed.

Thank you for leaving behind such a legacy Mr. Ved Vyas. We will always treasure your contributions.